Many have said CBS’ “Person of Interest” is one of the best science-fiction shows on TV, and others haven’t even realized it is science fiction. But according to series creator Jonathan Nolan, it may have become even more obviously science fiction to avoid being a docudrama.

“I’m unabashed about the fact that it’s a science-fiction show,” Nolan told the crowd at the show’s Comic-Con panel on Saturday. “Part of the reason science fiction fans may not embrace it is they sense that it’s true. Now that reality has caught up to us, we aim to push a little further in the third season out into that [science-fiction] space.”

Though the action drama series has always enjoyed mainstream popularity, real news events have conspired to put the show about government surveillance into a unique position, where it could possibly grow even bigger in its third season. And based on the video the producers used to kick off their presentation, they’re looking to capitalize on the revelations of PRISM, the real-life government mass electronic surveillance program. The video juxtaposed clips from “POI’s” first two seasons with actual news footage from CBS News reporting on the PRISM scandal.

Asked about the inspirations for the show, Nolan joked with the crowd, “It was an elaborate scheme to get the government to pay us residuals.”

Nolan was joined on stage by fellow executive producer Greg Plageman and series stars Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Kevin Chapman and two recurring actors, Sarah Shahi and Amy Acker, who were announced as joining the main cast for the new season.

While no one wanted to elaborate too much on what’s in store for the new season, many in the cast marveled at how reality had caught up to their premise, about an artificial intelligence utilized by the government to spy on Americans, while its creator, Finch (Emerson) used it to help ordinary people in need.

Michael Emerson, left, as Finch and James Caviezel as Reese in “Person of Interest.” (Jeffrey R. Staab / CBS)

“I approached [Jonathan] to change our title to ‘The Real Housewives of Interest,'” Chapman joked. “Because it’s becoming more of a reality show all the time.”

Fans suggested that Acker’s character, the villainous hacker known as Root, should get an episode told from her perspective, an idea that Nolan hinted could be in the works. He also confirmed that Paige Turco’s fixer character Zoe Morgan would be back in the new season.

Caviezel didn’t have much to say on the panel, other than to explain how he goes about playing his tough guy character, Mr. Reese. “Just know that I’m right all the time,” he explained.

There was also a bit of speculation about the future of the artificial intelligence known as the Machine, now that it has escaped from its government housing in order to protect itself, just one of the ways “Person of Interest” will fly its sci-fi colors in the new season.

3 Responses to Comic-Con: ‘Person of Interest’ will go more sci-fi to outpace reality

I think that Person of I Interest the best show in a long ,long time,from men to women to young's to older we all like it ho ever believed in these show and this cast even my friend of four legs was a genius. and thank you for using the former Jesus,good looking Jim Caviezel as the good strong guy ho saved people with the machine and his friends , GENIUS.